Australian man lets seven-year-old drive him home

Police stopped the car early today when it drove past without its headlights on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

They saw the boy at the wheel and the man in the passenger seat. The 41-year-old has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and adult in charge under the influence of liquor, Australian Associated Press reported.

The boy is reportedly now in the care of relatives. The man is expected to face court on 3 July. Royal Automobile Club Queensland (RACQ) senior road safety adviser Joel Tucker said the case was shocking. "Children at that age don't have the mental or physical capabilities to drive a car safely," Mr Tucker told AAP. "It is a real concern to hear that children were being put in that position.